Layoffs scheduled for Dec. 17

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The Chicago-based maker of Hollywood's most coveted prize plans to lay off nearly 100 workers just before Christmas, the company reported.

R.S. Owens & Company, long-time manufacturers of Oscar statuettes, expects to lay off 95 employees on Dec. 17. The estimate was published in a report from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

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R.S. Owens didn't report the cause of the layoffs, though the move comes after the company was acquired last month by Indianapolis-based St. Regis Crystal Inc. The acquisition goes into effect the same day as the planned layoffs.

At the time the company stated it still planned to make the Academy Awards statuettes as well as other top awards out of its northwest side location.

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The company also manufacturers awards for the Emmys and MTV Music Awards.